Pay is based on several factors which vary based on position. These include labor markets and in some instances may include education, work experience and certifications. In addition to your pay, Target cares about and invests in you as a team member, so that you can take care of yourself and your family. Target offers eligible team members and their dependents comprehensive health benefits and programs, which may include medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more, to help you and your family take care of your whole selves. Other benefits for eligible team members include 401(k), employee discount, short term disability, long term disability, paid sick leave, paid national holidays, and paid vacation. Find competitive benefits from financial and education to well-being and beyond at https://corporate.target.com/careers/benefits.

Job Title: Associate FSQR Scientist

Classification: Exempt

Date: October 2026

About us: 

Working at Target means helping all families discover the joy of everyday life. We bring that vision to life through our values and culture. Learn more about Target here.  

To match the signature style and passion of Target’s distinctive and beloved retail brand, Target Legal Affairs is a dynamic and deeply knowledgeable team of regulatory compliance and legal pros, each with valuable expertise from several disciplines. Whether specializing in government affairs, policy, risk management, regulatory compliance, ethics or employee and labor relations, this team advocates for Target and its business plans in communities across the nation and works across the entire company to provide internal clients with cohesive guidance. We help protect Target by applying our comprehensive understanding and interpretation of the laws that govern our stores, distribution centers and corporate locations. Here, you’ll enjoy working autonomously with a healthy work-life balance. Your passion for learning the business and building relationships with the senior leaders and key business partners that you support will be key to tackling the ever-changing legal challenges we face in a dynamic and fast-paced retail landscape. You’ll be challenged and gratified by a role with Target Legal Affairs. 

Food Safety, Quality, & Regulatory (FSQR) means supporting processes that help Target succeed by consistently delivering safe, high quality and compliant food and beverages. As an Associate FSQR (Food Safety, Quality and Regulatory) Scientist you will ensure that Target Owned Brand Food labeling meets relevant regulations and internal Target standards. You will have accountability for specific products and/or categories and will contribute to projects to advance labeling processes and systems, and labeling and claims guidance.

This role as an Associate Scientist will be responsible for interpreting compliance & labeling regulations. The role will rely on mentorship from Sr/Lead/Principal FSQR Scientists in order grow their knowledge in these regulations across food & beverage products. Ideal candidates will have a general understanding of food labeling requirements and some experience with food regulatory compliance and labeling.

• Review and approve product specification and labeling information (nutrition facts, ingredient declarations, allergens, and claims) and packaging proofs/key-lines for assigned products or categories.

• Communicate labeling requirements and necessary changes to internal colleagues and external vendor partners.

• Review and approve product digital copy and marketing promotions.

• Collaborate with senior FSQR scientists/ colleagues, cross-functional teams, or vendors to resolve labeling questions or discrepancies.

• Complete competitive assessments, regulatory or nutrition reviews, or other assignments to support project strategies and labeling and regulatory claims guidance.

• Contribute to the improvement of internal FSQR programs, processes, and systems through project participation.

• Develop and maintain regulatory, labeling, nutrition, and marketplace knowledge for assigned product areas.  

• Maintain Target labeling guides and related documents.

• Develop relationships with internal and external partners through active engagement and effective communication to share knowledge and gather perspectives.

• Deal constructively with challenges, accept change and constructive feedback, and seek opportunities to acquire new knowledge and skills. Stay focused on have a growth mindset.

• Use Best Methods, resources and available data to help identify process issues and support remedial action needed.

• Provides food recall coverage and after hour food recall support, as needed

• Model and promote a culture which champions Target’s values and FSQR compliance

• Other responsibilities that support the FSQR team purpose, as assigned

About You:

·       1 – 2 years of food labeling, regulatory, or product development experience in the food or retail industry

·       Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science, Nutrition, or a related field

·       Works effectively in a cross-functional team environment

·       Able to assess situations and offer solutions for sustainable improvement

·       Comfortable with ambiguity, with a growth mindset.

·       Able to interpret technical content and apply knowledge

·       Demonstrated collaboration and teamwork skills.

·       Able to manage multiple tasks or projects and deliver consistently against timelines.

·       Strong written and verbal communication skills

·       Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

This position will operate as a Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement based on Target’s needs. A Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement means the team member’s core role will need to be performed both onsite at the Target HQ MN location the role is assigned to and virtually, depending upon what your role, team and tasks require for that day. Work duties cannot be performed outside of the country of the primary work location, unless otherwise prescribed by Target.

Benefits Eligibility

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

In compliance with state and federal laws, Target will make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please reach out to [email protected]. Non-accommodation-related requests, such as application follow-ups or technical issues, will not be addressed through this channel.